And why did the influential guitarist do it not once but twice, initially departing the English hard rock band in 1975 before returning around 10 years later, ultimately leaving again in 1993?
It’s a question untold Deep Purple fans have pondered, given Blackmore’s importance to the band from their founding in 1968. After all, we’re talking about the musician who wrote the unforgettable guitar riff to the perennial classic rock staple “Smoke on the Water” here.